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"Hah? You got a problem? Don't tell me you've forgotten what happened before!"
Temari's temper flared. She strode forward and grabbed Neji by the collar.
Kankuro panicked "Big sis, no! Calm down, we used to be enemies, but now we're allies."
"Hmph!"
Temari finally released Neji, shooting Kankuro a glare so fierce he shrank back.
She fumed, "You don't understand… he back then… whatever!"
Halfway through her sentence, she cut herself off. There's no way she could tell her younger brothers about that.
Kankuro was confused. All he remembered was Temari shouting for Gaara so loud she nearly lost her voice. The rest? A mystery.
He glanced at Gaara same stoic face as always. But now that he thought about it, Gaara did become a lot gentler after that fight. Weird.
'Sigh… Big Sis gets weird around Neji, while Little Bro turned out better. I honestly don't know if that's a good thing or not.'
Neji mentally sighed too. 'Back then, he had no other choice.'
That old Six Paths geezer totally screwed him over!
Naruto just had to headbutt Gaara, and it was over, but he? He kicked Gaara unconscious, triggered Shukaku's full release, and had to play tag with a Tailed Beast.
Thankfully, Naruto summoned Gamabunta. Otherwise, Neji would've had serious trouble.
In the end, he had to throw together a last-minute emotional speech to defuse things.
Luckily, it worked.
His first-ever princess carry was given to Temari. Thank you very much!
(Grumbles internally)
Still, his execution was rough, leaving her with a bad impression. If it were now, he'd definitely be smoother.
With a sincere tone, Neji apologized:
"What happened before was beyond my control. How about I make it up to you with a treat? Hotpot Konoha's specialty."
Temari looked skeptical.
Of course, she knew what hotpot was and it could be quite expensive. Could he really afford it?
Well, she couldn't beat him, and she didn't have any other way to get back at him.
Fine then!
"Let's go, Kankuro, Gaara. We'll eat till his wallet cries!"
Neji maintained his smile, leading the way.
(Little did they know: All the shops were Neji's.)
The only way he'd actually "cry" is if Luffy, Goku, or Toriko joined them.
He led the three to a bustling hotpot restaurant.
Temari was briefly stunned by how lively it was.
One of the staff immediately noticed Neji and rushed over.
" Neji-sama! You're here bringing guests today?"
"Mm. Prepare a private room."
"Right this way."
Neji turned to the trio who still looked dazed.
"Let's go."
"Oh... okay."
Temari followed, and once the server left the room, she couldn't help but ask:
"Why did he call you '-sama'?"
Neji looked slightly puzzled. Did she not know?
"Because this restaurant is mine."
"Huh?!"
Temari fell silent. She turned away, slightly red in the face. Crap. I didn't even know it was his place. And I said I'd eat until he felt pain.
So embarrassing!
The hotpot she'd eaten before had been in places outside Konoha.
In the Wind Country, ingredients were rare and expensive due to the desert climate.
So, hotpot was a rare treat—especially during cold nights.
Neji handed out menus with a warm smile. "As an apology, pick anything you like. I'll make sure you're satisfied."
He then expertly introduced the various ingredients and soup bases.
The detailed and delicious descriptions made Kankuro literally drool.
"Big sis," he whispered, "there are so many options. A bunch of your favorites too."
As children of the Kazekage, they weren't exactly poor but most of their spending went toward ninja tools, not food.
In the Wind Country, ingredients were limited and costly.
Temari, still embarrassed, stomped hard on Kankuro's foot under the table. Can't you read the room?!
Kankuro winced in pain, not knowing what he'd done wrong.
What did I say now?!
Gaara, on the other hand, calmly picked out a few dishes and handed the menu to Neji.
Neji smiled, noting Temari's hesitation and Kankuro's pout. He called in the staff and ordered several dishes including those he remembered Temari liked.
Soon, food arrived in abundance.
Neji smoothly handled the pot and, using serving chopsticks, placed Temari's favorite items into her bowl.
He raised a cup.
"I truly apologize for what happened. I hope our villages can have friendlier exchanges from now on."
Temari looked at the bowl, stunned.
All my favorite foods...?
Wait… how does he know what I like?
Could it be...
She quickly shook her head.
No way. There's no way this guy investigated what I like to eat. Right?
Still… she couldn't deny the flutter in her chest.
With grace, Temari responded:
"Fine. I'll admit I overreacted too. After all, we were enemies back then. You're forgiven for now."
Neji smiled. They clinked cups and made peace.
Lunch went by smoothly.
Gaara even made some small talk with Neji.
Kankuro, the little glutton, ate a ton.
Temari eventually relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed the meal.
She might hold grudges, but being petty forever wasn't her style. That said, she definitely ate to her heart's content as a form of revenge, of course.
When lunch was over, Neji walked them out.
"Feel free to eat at my place any time while you're in Konoha. As an apology, you three now have permanent free passes."
"Seriously?!"
Kankuro's eyes sparkled, only for Temari to pinch his side and twist hard.
His face contorted in pain.
Temari smiled gracefully, "Our mission in Konoha is almost complete. Maybe another time."
Finally, Gaara turned to Neji:
"You're very strong. I'd like to spar again someday."
Neji raised an eyebrow.
Oh-ho? A walking EXP fountain?
"Any time you want. I'll be there."
"Mm."
The trio departed.
Neji could still faintly hear Temari scolding Kankuro:
"You got bribed with one meal, you useless glutton!"
Neji chuckled.
Kankuro's kind of adorable… poor guy, stuck with a bossy big sis.
With Temari's case now settled, he sighed in relief.
He never intended to get tangled with them anyway.
'Damn that Sage of Six Paths. Why'd you drag me into that mess again?'
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